Supply Chain Specialist

$41,600 - $49,920/Yr

Russell Tobin - Plainfield, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Plainfield, IL

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Supply Chain Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the Innovation Category Manager by managing supplier performance and driving process improvements across North America. This hybrid position involves collaborating with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure timely and compliant delivery of innovation programs while identifying cost-saving opportunities and enhancing supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Category Manager in delivering the Innovation strategy.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure programs are delivered On Time in Full (OTIF) and with 100% compliance.
• Support transparent financials through COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) setting with new components.
• Own the innovation scorecarding process for all packaging and liquid suppliers, presenting cross-functional feedback to leadership.
• Develop expertise in packaging and liquid categories, educating the business on key sourcing and financial drivers.
• Collaborate with Procurement Category Managers to assess capability gaps in the existing supplier base and identify opportunities to onboard new suppliers.
• Source new suppliers for product launches within the innovation pipeline.
• Support Innovation Project Managers and Supply Category Procurement teams in vendor management for innovation launches.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through innovation sourcing and process improvements.
• Ensure cross-functional stakeholders adhere to PtP (Purchase-to-Pay) processes, including PO creation, budget management, vendor reinstatement, and compliant purchasing practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.
• 1-3 years of procurement and/or project management experience in a fast-paced, value-driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills and business acumen.
• Proven ability to build strong alliances across teams and manage supplier relationships.
• Proficient in SAP, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in analyzing projects and processes, making recommendations, and implementing solutions.

Nice-to-haves

• CIPS/MBA, Project Management, or Business qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
• Supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity)
• 401(k) retirement savings
• Life & disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Legal support
• Auto and home insurance
• Pet insurance
• Employee discounts with preferred vendors